Guide for NGOs: How to Obtain Between 25,000 and 70,000 Euros for Digitalization

Guide for NGOs: How to Obtain Between 25,000 and 70,000 Euros for Digitalization represents an essential tool for non-governmental organizations seeking to improve their digital infrastructure by accessing European Funds available through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The “Digitalization of the Non-Governmental Organizations Sector” program offers significant opportunities for NGOs aiming to transition to modern technologies and streamline their activities through the implementation of digital solutions. With a total budget of 9 million euros and the possibility of obtaining funding between 25,000 and 70,000 euros per project, this program represents a real opportunity for organizations wishing to adopt innovative technologies and increase their level of digital literacy.

Details About the Funding Program for NGO Digitalization

The funding program for NGO digitalization falls under Component 7 “Digital Transformation”, Investment 9 “Digitalization of the Non-Governmental Organizations Sector” of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). This ambitious program aims to support the digital transformation of non-governmental organizations in Romania, thus contributing to increasing the efficiency of their activities and adopting modern technological solutions.

Budget and Fund Allocation

The total budget of the program is 9 million euros, plus the VAT related to eligible expenses if these are not deductible. It is important to note that the budget is equally divided: 4.5 million euros are allocated to NGOs that carry out economic activity, and the other half is allocated to organizations that do not conduct economic activity. This balanced distribution ensures access to funding for a diverse range of non-governmental organizations, regardless of their economic profile.

Funding Value and Award Criteria

The value of grants varies between 25,000 and 70,000 euros per project, determined according to the degree of digitalization achieved by the NGO upon completion of implementation. The evaluation criteria are based on the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) from 2021, which measures progress in the digital field. The more advanced the level of digitalization achieved, the more substantial the funding can be, thus stimulating NGOs to implement complex and efficient digital solutions.

Eligibility and Conditions for Accessing Funds

To benefit from funding under this program, non-governmental organizations must meet certain eligibility criteria and comply with the conditions imposed by the funder.

Eligibility Criteria for NGOs

Interested organizations must have their registered office or a working point in Romania and must have been established no later than December 31, 2022. This condition ensures that beneficiaries already have some experience in carrying out specific activities and can successfully implement digitalization projects. Additionally, NGOs must fall into the category of those that do or do not conduct economic activities, depending on the funding line targeted.

Co-financing and Beneficiary Responsibilities

An important aspect of the program is the co-financing requirement: beneficiary organizations must provide a minimum of 5% of the eligible expenses related to the de minimis aid. This own contribution demonstrates the NGOs’ commitment to the proposed projects and ensures the sustainability of the investments made. At ROBORA, we understand the financial challenges faced by NGOs and offer specialized consulting for identifying the most efficient co-financing solutions.

Project Selection and Evaluation Process

The project selection process was competitive, with rigorous evaluation of the submitted proposals. Given the large number of applications, it is essential to understand how this process took place and which criteria determined the success of certain projects.

Project Submission Statistics

During the period April 29 – May 23, 2024, 1.017 projects were submitted under the call for NGO digitalization, demonstrating the high interest in this program. Of these, 654 projects were submitted by NGOs without economic activity, 350 by NGOs with economic activity, and 13 did not specify this information. Competition was fierce, considering that the available budget would have allowed funding for only 200 projects, according to the quantitative indicator initially established by the Ministry.

Evaluation Criteria and Scoring

Of the total 1,017 projects submitted, 985 obtained at least 50 points, the minimum threshold to be considered for funding. The technical and financial evaluation has been completed, and the list of admitted projects was published in January 2025. In case of equal scores, the tiebreaker was determined by the ratio between the requested amount and the organization’s average income, using different methods for NGOs with and without economic activity.

Implementation of Digitalization Projects

Efficient implementation of digitalization projects represents a crucial aspect for NGOs that have obtained funding. This stage requires careful planning and collaboration with partners specialized in IT solutions.

Collaboration with IT Solution Providers

Partnership with specialized providers in implementing IT solutions is essential for the success of digitalization projects. They can provide the necessary IT analysis to identify suitable technologies, as well as personalized offers compliant with the DESI criteria that you must meet in your project. At ROBORA, we can be the ideal partner in this process, offering technical consulting, implementation, and post-implementation support for the adopted digital solutions.

Trends in Digitalization and SEO Optimization for NGOs

In the context of digitalization, NGOs must also pay attention to how their online presence is optimized for search engines. Implementing effective SEO strategies can increase the organization’s visibility and attract more supporters and donors.

The Importance of User Experience in SEO

In 2025, search engines place special importance on user experience (UX). A responsive site with fast loading times and intuitive navigation will be better positioned in search results. At ROBORA, we understand these trends and offer solutions that combine digitalization efficiency with search engine optimization.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Optimizing Online Presence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly important factor in SEO strategies. Search engine algorithms use AI to better analyze and understand users’ intentions, providing more relevant and personalized results. NGOs can benefit from these technologies to optimize their content and improve their online visibility, and ROBORA can provide specialized consulting in this field.

Conclusions and Next Steps for NGOs

The funding program for NGO digitalization represents an extraordinary opportunity for organizations wishing to modernize their IT infrastructure and adopt innovative digital solutions. With grants between 25,000 and 70,000 euros and a total budget of 9 million euros, this program can generate a significant transformation in the non-governmental sector in Romania.

For NGOs that have obtained funding, the next steps include signing contracts and implementing projects according to the approved plan. It is essential to collaborate with trusted partners in the IT field to maximize the impact of the investments made. ROBORA is at your disposal with technical expertise and customized solutions to ensure the success of your digitalization project.

For organizations that failed to obtain funding in this round, we recommend preparing in advance for similar future opportunities. Our consultants can help you identify weaknesses in your previous application and develop a more effective strategy for the next calls for projects.

Digitalization is not just a trend but a necessity in the current context. Investing in modern technologies and adopting efficient digital solutions can radically transform the way NGOs operate, contributing to increased social impact and the achievement of organizational objectives.

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